By: Mercy Peter
The Federal Government has announced a significant progress in national security and anti-corruption efforts, amongst others.
Speaking at the October 2025 Joint Security Press Briefing on Monday in Abuja, the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu said there was a 33% increase in major arrests, rising from 42 in September to 56 in October 2025, attributing this to stronger inter agency coordination and enhanced intelligence sharing.
Similarly, 27 kidnap victims were rescued in October, up from 19 the previous month, reflecting improved rapid response capabilities especially in Kogi and Sokoto States, Issa-Onilu also said.
He also revealed that fatalities linked to violent crimes dropped by 12%, from 210 in September to 185 in October.
NOA boss credited the decline witnessed in the month of October to improved joint operations, early warning systems, and proactive interdictions, particularly in the Northwest and Southeast regions.
Cross-border security interventions also increased substantially, driven by strengthened cooperation between the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“The decline in fatalities and the increase in proactive arrests show that our security architecture is shifting from reactive to preventive,” the NOA DG stated.
On corruption, he said the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) received 44 petitions, completed 15 investigations, filed five new cases, and secured two convictions in the month of October.
Recoveries for the month totaled ₦840 million and $919,000, while 35 public projects were tracked for compliance and nine anti-corruption units were inaugurated.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also presented a robust recovery record:₦230 billion recovered in 2023; ₦290 billion recovered in 2024 and ₦46 billion recovered so far in 2025
EFCC also revealed that 1,502 properties were forfeited across two years
₦566.3 billion and $411.6 million recovered overall.
Of the total recoveries, the Commission said ₦100 billion has been reinvested into the Student Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Scheme, while several recovered properties have been allocated to government institutions for service delivery.
“Every naira recovered from corruption is now working for the people — funding education, health, and credit reforms,” the DG emphasized.
He also said NAFDAC intercepted over 70 containers of counterfeit goods and shut down illegal warehouses in Lagos and Ondo States.
NDLEA, according to him, dismantled 40 drug syndicates, arrested 1,378 suspects, and secured 251 convictions in October.
Nigerian Immigration Service on its part rescued 76 victims of human trafficking and processed 15,000 visa applications under its new digital visa system.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded a 12% decline in road crash fatalities, thanks to intensified public safety campaigns.
Nigerian Correctional Service expanded inmate rehabilitation programs, with some inmates reportedly completing university and postgraduate degrees.
“Nationwide, enforcement actions increased by 28%, and convictions rose by 19%, while road crash deaths dropped by 11% between September and October,” he said.
Issa-Onilu said NOA between August and October 2025, intensified civic education on security awareness and unity.
“Through collaborations with 50 radio and TV stations and digital outreach on social media platforms, NOA reached an estimated 32 million Nigerians in October—up from 25 million in September, marking a 28% increase in public engagement.
“The agency also reported a 40% increase in fact-checking interventions and the expansion of community partnerships from 1,050 to 1,460 clusters nationwide,” he said.
He pointed out that recent opinion tracking indicates measurable improvements in public trust and vigilance, alongside a decline in the spread of fake news.
“Trust is Nigeria’s strongest security asset,” the NOA DG declared. “Accurate information saves lives; misinformation costs lives,” he added.
He therefore said that October’s data confirms a steady positive trend in national safety and institutional accountability. He also reiterated government call for citizens to:“Remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.”
He also urged Nigerians to “Verify information before sharing on social media.”
“Together, through courage, collaboration, and communication, we are reclaiming public confidence in our institutions.
“Together, we build trust. Together, we build peace. Together, we will build Nigeria,” he concluded.
